Her Story
About Stephanie
Stephanie Sexton is an Organizational Health & Development Officer at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), where she partners with leaders to strengthen organizational culture, enhance employee engagement, and develop high-performing teams. With six years of experience in organizational development and workforce development within the federal government, she has progressed through multiple leadership-support roles before earning her promotion to Enterprise Organizational Health & Development Officer. Her work includes assessing organizational needs, interpreting workforce data, facilitating leadership and team development programs, and implementing strategic initiatives that improve mission effectiveness. Stephanie is recognized for her coaching-centered leadership style, which emphasizes psychological safety, meaningful dialogue, and empowering others to discover their own solutions.
Throughout her career, Stephanie has contributed to numerous enterprise-wide workforce initiatives, including leading organizational development programs, facilitating workshops, managing coaching partnerships, and co-hosting the Navigating Your Career podcast and the AFRL Talent Talk series. She is currently completing a bachelor's degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology at Wright State University after earning an associate degree in Psychology from Sinclair Community College. In addition to her academic pursuits, she holds the Certified Structured Fundamentals Facilitator (CSFF) credential and recently earned her Emergenetics Associate Certification, enabling her to administer leadership assessments and facilitate team development workshops. Her contributions have been recognized with the Special Acts of Service Award in both 2025 and 2026.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Stephanie is passionate about supporting her community through CityHeart, a nonprofit founded by her mother that serves individuals experiencing poverty and hardship. She credits her success to the influential women and mentors who have encouraged her personal and professional growth and remains committed to paying that support forward by developing future leaders. Guided by curiosity, continuous learning, and authentic connection, Stephanie strives to create workplaces where individuals feel empowered, valued, and equipped to achieve both personal and organizational success. In her free time, she enjoys crafting, sewing, thrifting, and spending time with her cat, Douglas.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Stephanie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the incredible women who have invested in my growth throughout my life and career, especially my mother and the mentors who have encouraged, challenged, and believed in me. Their guidance, support, and confidence have inspired me to continue learning, pursue new opportunities, and pay that encouragement forward by helping others grow in their own careers.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is that my voice matters and that I always have a seat at the table. I have learned to speak with confidence, trust my perspective, and contribute my ideas, regardless of my title or level of experience. If an opportunity is not immediately offered, I have learned to advocate for myself and confidently step into the conversation.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to take advantage of every opportunity available to them and to build authentic relationships throughout their careers. Attend conferences, pursue certifications, volunteer for speaking opportunities, and continue expanding your knowledge. Every experience contributes to your professional growth, and meaningful relationships often lead to new opportunities and lasting success.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges in organizational development is that this work is sometimes viewed as nonessential or receives limited investment. However, this also presents one of the industry's greatest opportunities. Organizations that intentionally invest in leadership development, employee engagement, organizational culture, and psychologically safe workplaces create stronger teams, improve performance, and better position themselves for long-term success.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Curiosity is the value that guides both my professional and personal life. I believe continuous learning, remaining open to new perspectives, and asking thoughtful questions help me grow as a leader and enable me to better support others. I am also committed to fostering psychologically safe environments where people feel heard, valued, empowered, and encouraged to reach their full potential.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.